A stout entry list of more than 30 Super Late Model competitors for the Clyde Hart Memorial at New Smyrna Speedway just got a big-name addition in the form of NASCAR Cup Series competitor Christopher Bell.
Bell, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, will pilot the No. 20 Wilson Motorsports Toyota with support from Mobil 1 in the ASA STARS National Tour season opener on Tuesday, February 11.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to race in the Clyde Hart Memorial,” said Bell in the ASA STARS National Tour’s announcement of his entry. “I grew up racing at short tracks around the country and always enjoy coming back to race.”
Falling on the eve of on-track activity at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500, the Clyde Hart Memorial has drawn several Cup Series stars in recent years. William Byron won the event in both 2022 and 2023.
However, Bell is making his first Clyde Hart Memorial appearance after several years away from grassroots racing. Bell returned to dirt racing in the offseason with the blessing of Joe Gibbs Racing, including wins in both the Non-Wing Outlaw Division at the Tulsa Shootout and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions during the Chili Bowl Nationals.
Video: Christopher Bell Triumphs in Epic Battle Against Kyle Larson for Tulsa Shootout Win
Bell also scored a victory last week at Volusia Speedway Park competing with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, battling with Kyle Larson for the victory in that race.
While most of Bell’s accolades have come on the dirt when not racing in NASCAR’s premier series, he was also an accomplished Super Late Model competitor while scaling the development ladder. In 2015, Bell competed in three Super Late Model races during the World Series of Asphalt, including a win in the 100-lap feature
During that 2015 season, Bell also won the Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway, the World Stock Car Festival 100 at Winchester Speedway and three CARS Super Late Model Tour events.
The ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial 200 takes the green flag at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 11. The event is part of the fifth night of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna. Tour-type Modifieds and Florida Modifieds join the ASA STARS National Tour on Tuesday’s racing program.
-Photo Credit: LAT for Toyota Racing
